Bhubaneswar, April 3: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has reversed its stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Initially opposing the bill ahead of its presentation in the Lok Sabha, the party has now opted for a different approach ahead of the vote in the Rajya Sabha.
BJD leader Sasmit Patra announced on social media that there would be no party whip, allowing MPs to vote according to their conscience. He emphasized the party's commitment to secularism and inclusivity, respecting the diverse views of minority communities on the bill.
Patra's statement marked a shift from earlier opposition to the bill. Initially, BJD MP Munna Khan had expressed opposition to the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha. However, the party's new position allows MPs to vote freely based on their individual judgment.
This marks the first instance of a non-aligned party breaking ranks with those opposed to the bill, with AIADMK and YSR Congress continuing to stand firm in opposition. Despite this, the government maintains a numerical advantage in the Rajya Sabha, with the NDA holding 125 seats out of 245.
The BJD, with seven Rajya Sabha members, has historically maintained a neutral stance between the BJP and Congress, offering issue-based support to the BJP. However, following the 2019 elections, in which the BJP dominated Odisha, the BJD distanced itself from the ruling party, signaling a shift in its parliamentary strategy.
